States › California › 1998
California in 1998
Deaths 3,494Fatal crashes 3,112Per 100,000 —US deaths 41,501
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 1998.
In 1998, 3,494 people died in 3,112 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 5% from 3,688 in 1997 to 3,494 in 1998.
California accounted for 8.4% of the 41,501 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
29.9% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1997 and the nation
| Measure | California 1998 | California 1997 | United States 1998 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,494 | 3,688 | 41,501 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,112 | 3,279 | 37,107 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 30% | 28% | 30% |
Counties in 1998
Every county with a fatal crash in 1998, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 57 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in California in 1998?
3,494 people in 3,112 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1998 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1998?
Los Angeles County with 628 deaths in 578 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1998 compare with 1997 in California?
3,494 deaths against 3,688 in 1997 (+-5%). Nationally the 1998 total was 41,501.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1998 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates (no county estimates before 2000 are used, so no rate is shown for this year). Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.